April 14-23 :: 2026

This year we are headed (up) north!
That’s right, exploring the rich flavors of Belfast, Portrush, Derry,
Donegal, plus so much more!

OUR CORE MISSION:

Providing a lasting impression of the beauty of Irish food and cuisine, while maintaining culture and tradition. Meeting the farmers, cheesemakers, fisherpeople and chefs, who bring the food to your plate in a modern way, without sacrificing the historical past. We want to change your mind, and your perception of Irish food, and let you experience the incredible resources this small incredible island provides.

US $5995
(per person sharing not including air)

$1200 for single room accommodation (single spaces are limited)

2026 GráBia Tour

Limited to 10-11 Guests

This is an opportunity to explore the food and drink of Northern Ireland (and the north of Ireland) through its land and sea. Meet local experts and providers of excellent-quality produce, enjoy hands-on cooking classes, and all while exploring the beautiful countryside and coastline of Ireland. Stay on a beautiful estate with private accommodations while we explore the Giants Causeway, Portrush, and enjoy the craic! Maybe a little whiskey, too.

GráBia continues to partner with Celtic Journeys for travel and tour, so all registrations and more information is available on their website. You can email Maria with any travel/flight information.

Tuesday 14 – Depart for Ireland

Depart USA for Ireland on your overnight flight.

Wednesday 15 – Arrive Dublin travel to Belfast

Arrive Dublin and after clearing Customs and Immigration your driver/guide will be waiting to take you north to Colvinstown in Navan where you will get your firsthands-on baking class at Bread with Benefits. Later travel to Monasterboice to see the ancient Round Tower and Celtic crosses before continuing on to the city of Belfast for check-in to your hotel. Welcome dinner at your hotel this evening.

Thursday 16 – Belfast & Cooking School

Breakfast at the hotel and then enjoy a cooking class at Belfast Cookery School which will include lunch. In the afternoon you will enjoy a guided tour of Belfast with a local guide and then free late afternoon and evening to explore Belfast on your own.

Friday 17 – Belfast to Portrush

Before you depart Belfast you will have a chance for a short exploration of St. Georges Market in the city. Heading north the journey will take you along the spectacular Antrim Coastline toward the villages of Cushenden and Cushendall. As you head toward Ballycastle to visit Broughgammon Farm you will enjoy their farm to fork immersive experience. Continue along the Antrim Coast to Portrush for overnight. And in the evening enjoy the Portrush Tasty Tour – encompassing the best of Portrush and its produce.

Saturday 18 – Portrush & Antrim Coastline

Full day of food exploration on the Causeway Coast. Spend the day tasting and cooking along the Antrim coastline.

Sunday 19 – Portrush

Explore the Causeway Coastline – visit the UNESCO Heritage Site at the Giant’s Causeway for a guided tour. Take the time to stroll and enjoy the fresh breeze blowing in from the North Atlantic. Free evening in Portrush.

Monday 20 – Portrush to Donegal

Leave Portrush today and drive further west to Coleraine to enjoy a private chocolate making experience of making chocolate at the Chocolate Manor. Indulge your chocolate fantasy and take away your creations. Later continue to Derry for a walking tour of the historic walled city and view the murals in the Bogside. Free time for lunch and a stroll before you head over the Barnesmore Gap to Donegal Town and your hotel on the shore of Lough Eske. Evening dinner at the hotel.

Tuesday 21 – Sliabh League

Head to the largest fishing port in Ireland, Killybegs, as you make your way to explore the highest accessible sea cliffs in Europe at Sliabh League. After your time at the Cliffs, enjoy lunch at the Rusty Mackerel. Head through the stunning Glengesh Pass as you make your way to Ardara, the home of Donegal Tweed before taking a tour and tasting at Sliabh League Distillery. Evening dinner at your hotel.

Wednesday 22 – Donegal to Dublin

Following breakfast, depart Donegal and travel east along the shore of Lough Erne towards Trim with a guided tour of Trim Castle. Then on to your unique hotel (formerly a station masters home) in the village of Kilmessan where you will have a cream tea before heading out to Swainstown Farm (where the hotel buys its produce) and enjoy a guided tour followed by a cooking demonstration by the chef back at the hotel. Farewell dinner at the hotel this evening.

Thursday 23 – Return to USA

Private group transfer to Dublin Airport for return flight to USA

TOUR INCLUDES:

8 nights’ accommodation in hotels with breakfast each morning
4 evening dinners at hotels
Bread baking class
Cooking class in Belfast
Broughgammon Farm Visit and tasting
Portrush Tasty Evening Tour
Food Exploration Day on the Causeway Coast

Entrance Fees:

Giants Causeway
Sliabh League Distillery with Tasting
Trim Castle
Derry City Walking Tour
Chocolate Manor chocolate making
Lunch at the Rusty Mackerel
Cooking demo and visit on 22 April
8 days touring with your driver/guide includes driver expenses, fuel, parking, tolls etc.
Group transfer to Dublin Airport

BONUS!: If you live in the Twin Cities area, Shelagh hosts a happy hour before the trip, to meet our travling companions, have some nibbles, a drink and the craic.

NOT INCLUDED:

International airfare
Meals other than listed above
Items of a personal nature, laundry, drinks, phone calls, etc.
Entrance fees not listed above
Gratuity for driver/guide

$500 non-refundable deposit and completed registration form required

Occasionally, due to weather or other variables beyond our control, activities may need to change, and will be substituted with a comparable event. Your flexibility is appreciated.;

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How does this tour work?

Accommodation, transport, tours, fun and most importantly food are included (you won’t go hungry!).

What will I need upon registration?

We will require each guest to fill out a registration form* that contains waivers, and a copy of your current vaccination card. A $500 per person, non-refundable deposit will be required to secure you and your companions spot on the tour.

*please fill out the form before registering, there is vital information needed before you agree to sign up.

Do I need to live in Minnesota to join the tour?

Heck no! You can travel from anywhere in the world to Dublin.

Do I have to share a room with someone?

Yes, on our tour we can only offer double occupancy. So find a fun friend, companion or partner. Each room will have two beds if requested, so no worries there. Contact Maria if you must have your own room, single occupancy fees are available.

How 'active' is this tour?

We will have time on our tour bus each day, but we hope to stop along the way for short hikes (weather permitting), as well as some other surprises along the way! There will be time each day when we return to our accommodations to go out and stretch your legs too. We are doing our best to not over-book each day!

Are all meals included?

Four full Irish breakfast and four continental breakfasts are included. As well as whatever we cook and taste everyday on our tours. Any late lunch provided will definitely carry you for the day. Trust us, you won’t be feeling the hunger!

Is alcohol/wine included with meals?

No, alcohol is not included on this tour.

Can my teenager come along on the trip?

Sorry, at this time, only 21 and older can join. Whiskey tours and nights out would not be advisable.

I have some serious food allerigies, can I still join the tour?

Strongly unadvisable on this food tour, gluten, shell fish, meat, dairy and eggs. And a lot of it! 🙂

I am disabled, can I still come on the trip?

At this time, although we’d really love to have you, if you need assistance walking, it’s not advisable for you to join us. Although we will be cooking and touring quite a bit, this trip is an active one, with walks and hikes scheduled every day.

Will this trip be inclusive of the LBGQT community?

You betcha, all are welcome! Everyone! 🌈

Will Shelagh be on the tour?

Shelagh will be with you the entire time. Her role is to provide the most fun, informative, and enjoyable time of your life (I’m feeling very confident today! :). We want you to come back for our next tour!

Are we going to be making alot of boiled Irish meals?

Oh my goodness, no way! The point of this trip is to introduce you to the marvels of modern Irish cuisine. Land and sea, that’s what it’s all about. Oh and a little whiskey, wine and a Guinness or three. 🙂

I don't really like to have fun, can I still go?

No.

🙂

Do I need travel insurance?

Highly suggested. But please note: the deposit is non-refundable. AIG Travel Guard is recommended.

What about tipping?

When we come to the end of our journey with a particular driver, we encourage a €10+ per person tip. Our drivers will be with us for multiple days, and are always very informative and enjoyable lads.

Tipping at sit-down/table service restaurants is encouraged only if you are satisfied with the service, typically 10% Tipping in pubs is typically not required, especially if the publican is the owner.

Follow this guide throughout your trip, and you’ll be grand.

MEET SHELAGH

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Ireland’s emerald landscapes, where you’ll forage in the wild and fish in the deep, sapphire waters with Shelagh Geraghty Mullen (GráBia) and Celtic Journeys. Together, you’ll dive into Ireland’s culinary heartland, discovering its rich flavors and vibrant traditions.

A passionate cook with a deep love for her ancestral roots, Shelagh honed her skills at The Dublin Cookery School in 2020. Though the pandemic brought her back to the U.S. earlier than expected, her determination to return to Ireland never wavered. That dream came true in 2022 when GráBia was born, a project launched with her dear friend Anne Reddington, co-owner of Galway Cheese with her husband, Larry. While Anne won’t be joining us this year—she’s completing her master’s degree—we look forward to welcoming her back soon.

Join us for an adventure filled with flavors, friendship, and the magic of the Irish countryside!

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